Consider this a test for long-term couples who are fans of the horror genre: Settle in with your partner and view Together. This 2025 indie hit recently had its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it may seem like standard biological terror, but within Together exists a deep contemplation about how we choose to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for a decade. Having wed in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a special spark to their characters, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The plot commences when Millie and Tim transition from the urban environment to the rural area for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the cliches conclude. Together evolves into as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their new home, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim tumble into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence starts to affect the pair. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The entire film is a methodically building of scares, weaving in moments of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but never too gross) body horror, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes during something disturbing). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A great deal of Together is solely Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and far away from his social circle. He is terrified of the notion of completely losing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together avoids making one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie grapple with the sort of issues that are inherent in most partnerships after ten years. At their core, they have affection for each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these fears of codependency and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor never feels clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could act as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion inspire anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in one of the characters and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward your significant other and utter, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can experience at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu now.
